Christian Suffering
Life is a Series of Problem Solving Opportunities
~~The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
#1 God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? ” Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.” Proverbs 20:30
#2 God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what is inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? ”When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles will test your faith, and this will give you patience.” James 1:2-3
#3 God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It is likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. However, you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something...health, money, a relationship...by losing it. ”It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.” Psalm 119:71-72
#4 God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. ”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” Genesis 50:20
#5 God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you are going to take with you into eternity. ”We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us to learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.” Romans 5:3-4
Here is the point
God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But, it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.

The Journey Of The Soul
Your heart is filled with pain,
Your mind cluttered with confusion.

Pieces of your life fall around you
Like raindrops in a storm.

The path you chose so long ago
Led you straight to hurts door.

Now your weary feet struggle
To find the road back home,
Searching for the places
That love and beauty hide.

Temptations lie in wait all around,
Pulling at your every step,
Waiting for you to slide back
From the chosen, sought for, path.

Emptiness surrounds you,
Confusing your perceptions.
It is difficult to carry on.

I will do my best to fill your heart with joy,
To clear the cobwebs of confusion,
Help you find your purpose.

I am good at catching pieces
And I can chase away a storm.

Let me walk your path beside you,
I have walked this road before.

You can lean on me when the weariness comes.
My shoulders are very strong.

I can not fight your battles,
Or chase away demons of the soul,
But I can lend you my strength
Until you find your own.

I will help you find the courage
To face each day anew.